Ten Incredible Photos Of #AthensByNight

Ahh, Athens. The cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of democracy. That's quite a reputation! Athens offers incredible sightseeing opportunities for tourists, thanks to the immense history of the city. But there's another side to Athens, too. Resident Athenians and visiting night owls have been showcasing the incredible beauty of the city after dark using the hashtag #AthensByNight on Instagram. We searched through thousands of photos and selected ten of our favorites to share.

The Acropolis is a wondrous place to visit during the day, but it's even more beautiful when it's lit up at night. In the evening, find a rooftop bar that faces the historic site and enjoy a glass of Ouzo and your breathtaking surroundings. Though hotel bars aren't often frequented by locals, "A" for Athens in Monastiraki is an exception. The Terrace Bar at Central Hotel is another favorite. Wherever you go, arrive early to ensure you get a good view.

Culture lovers will enjoy Athens in the summer when you can easily find outdoor concerts, folk dance and theater performances. The Lykavittós theater is a magical venue, carved into rock, and perched high above the city, close to the summit of Mount Lykavittós.

Athens is a foodie paradise. If you're eating at a restaurant, check out what locals are ordering and follow suit. But don't leave Athens without ordering a traditional Greek salad at least once. Horiatiki is a rustic salad made with tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, Kalamata olives and delicious feta cheese. No matter how great a Greek salad you think you've had before, it won't compare to the real thing in Greece.

You also may want to try tyropita (cheese pies), souvlaki (kebabs), tyropita (cheese pies), and a tasty dessert of Greek coffee and baklava. Don't forget to indulge in some street food! Greece is famous for its gyros. Gyro actually means "turn", and the sandwich gets its name from the meat roasted on a vertical spit. The pita is filled with meat, onions, tomatoes, french fries and tzatziki sauce.

Make your way to the Plaka neighborhood in Athens one evening. Plaka sits beneath the Acropolis, is the oldest section of Athens and is a favorite part of the city for many. You'll be instantly charmed by the cobblestone streets lined with tavernas, cafes, and shops. Sit back, sip on a frappé (a popular iced coffee drink) and enjoy the sounds of nearby street musicians.

While you're in Plaka, visit Brettos. This old-fashioned distillery dates back to 1909, and draws guests in with its colorful, unique decor. The distillery boasts over 30 flavors of liquors, based on delicious Mediterranean fruits, herbs, and spices. You can also sample Greek wines by the glass.

At Syntagma Square, you'll find the Greek Parliament building. Visit during the day to witness the Changing of the Guards (this occurs every hour), but return at night for another photo opportunity - the illuminated building is beautiful.

World traveler Lee Abbamonte wrote a blog about visiting Athens and said: "...Ask the locals what’s good when you’re there, if you want a little off the beaten path. Athenians love to help tourists and share their city."